Theron Charles Wells (Charlie) was born June 13, 1925, in Glendale, California. His brother Doyle was born two years later. They had many adventures together. As teens, He and Doyle did experiments in the garage mixing up chemicals and other things they found in there. While still in his younger years, Charlie’s father George Lylburn Wells was transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii. Charlie, along with his mother Rhoda Marie and his brother Doyle, boarded the USS Lauraline and moved to Hawaii where they all lived for several years. He shared many wonderful memories of living in Hawaii like warm ocean water and rarely having to wear shoes while living there.
When George’s Hawaii assignment was complete, the family returned to the States living in San Diego. Charlie attended Hoover High School. When it was apparent that the United States might enter WWII he took many math classes to prepare for the Army Air Corps test. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was trained as a navigator and a bombardier, and greatly enjoyed his time flying in airplanes.
Once his training was complete, the war had already ended and Charlie attended San Diego State University through the GI Bill. He majored in Physics and while studying he met a pretty librarian named Ellen Ruth Moore. To get her attention, he requested books for her to find for him. Many book hunts later, a spark had been kindled and Charlie and Ellen married on December 31, 1948. With the help of Ellen’s brothers, Charlie built their first home while still in college.
After graduating from SDSU, Charlie began his engineering career with Teledyne Ryan. His major emphasis was developing antennas, radar and navigating systems for military airplanes. He also worked on NASA’s Lunar Lander. Another interest of Charlie’s was ham radio. He kept his ham radio license current and enjoyed speaking with people all over the world from his ham radio station.
Charlie was devoted to his family. He was a kind yet firm father with a contagious passion for knowledge. He always took the time to explain things in detail. He listened and gave great advice. He lovingly cared for his wife, Ellen, of 67 years, until she passed away in 2015.
Charlie is survived by his children, Theron and Sharon, along with their spouses, Cozette and David, as well as his grandchildren, Melody (her husband Robert) and Garret, and his great-grandson, William. He also, leaves behind his brother, Doyle. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. His warm smile, encouraging spirit, and wit will remain in our hearts. We are encouraged and comforted to know that we will see him again in Heaven.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18